The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has discharged Congress MP Rakesh Rathore in a rape case, ruling that the prosecution material indicated a long-standing consensual relationship between him and the complainant, contrary to allegations of rape on the promise of marriage. The court deemed the allegations contradictory and unfounded, setting aside a lower court's order.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging the 'criminal destruction' of the Tata Group, urging him to refrain from 'politicising' commercial and legal matters and accusing him of trying to incite business leaders.
The Congress has initiated seat-sharing discussions with the Samajwadi Party for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, proposing a list of over 175 seats. While the Congress aims for a significant share, buoyed by its performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Samajwadi Party emphasises winnability as the sole criterion. The alliance seeks to collectively challenge the BJP in the state.
Delhi's Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has warned that a proposed Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 could severely disrupt business in 21 major wholesale and retail markets during the peak festive season. The CTI has urged Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to postpone the rally until after Bhai Dooj on November 10 or move it to an alternative venue, citing potential losses of up to Rs 10,000 crore due to traffic congestion and road closures.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was acquitted by a special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur on Monday in a defamation case stemming from his 2018 remarks against then BJP president Amit Shah. The court ruled that Gandhi's statement was not defamatory and the complainant, Vijay Mishra, was not an aggrieved person. Mishra's lawyer plans to challenge the verdict.
Biennial polls for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats resulted in significant upsets, with five sitting MLCs, including from BJP and Congress, losing. The fledgling Jan Suraaj Party secured its first victory. BJP won three seats, Independents two, while RJD, Jan Suraaj, and JD(U) each secured one. The results highlighted infighting within the INDIA bloc and a strong performance by new political forces.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's convoy was involved in a minor collision on the Purvanchal Expressway on Monday while he was travelling to Sultanpur for a court hearing in a defamation case. Officials confirmed Gandhi was safe and no major injuries occurred. The incident happened around 10.15 am when a vehicle in front suddenly braked, causing a chain reaction. The convoy resumed its journey, heading to the court for a case related to remarks made against Amit Shah in 2018.
Lok Sabha MP Ramashankar Rajbhar 'Vidyarthi' announced that the INDIA bloc's seat-sharing formula has been finalised for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the Samajwadi Party's manifesto set for release on November 26. He emphasised a unified strategy for victory, while Congress leaders have claimed 175-200 seats, with final decisions to be made by top leadership. The article also touches upon the political landscape in UP, considering past election results and the 2027 contest.
Counting is underway for elections to five constituencies in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance currently leading in three seats and the Opposition NCP (SP) ahead in two. Polling for these seats, including Pune Graduates' and Amravati Teachers', took place on October 23, necessitated by the upcoming term expiry of sitting members. Final results are anticipated later today, as candidates like Sudhakar Kohale, Kiran Sarnaik, Kaustubh Gawade, Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav, and Pratapsinh Patil show significant leads in their respective constituencies.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding a plea alleging he pushed a pregnant journalist during a march to the apex court on October 12. The plea seeks an FIR and compensation for the alleged assault, which occurred amidst a protest against alleged voter deletions.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi announced her upcoming memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," set for release on November 10. Gandhi, who recently joined social media, stated that the book will present her personal account, correcting past narratives. The memoir's publication has already sparked controversy, with HarperCollins India taking over after an "impasse" with Penguin Random House India, amidst allegations of external pressure regarding editorial content. The book will cover her life from childhood in Italy to her political journey in India, including family tragedies and key political decisions.
The Congress party has criticised the government's new 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, terming it a "Modi tax". Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, allege that this move will ultimately burden consumers through price hikes and accuse the government of succumbing to American pressure to dilute India's zero-MDR policy. The government states the charge will support banks and fintechs.
Television actress Urmila Sanawar faces a fresh First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the Ankita Bhandari murder case, a day after her arrest in Uttar Pradesh. The new FIR, filed by a Dehradun resident, alleges "objectionable and defamatory allegations" made by Sanawar against Sikkim Governor Dushyant Kumar Gautam and BJP national general secretary BL Santosh. Sanawar is scheduled to undergo a narco-analysis test as part of the CBI inquiry, while the Uttarakhand Congress has criticised her arrest, claiming it is an attempt to shield influential individuals involved in the murder case.
The Congress has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "deafening silence" regarding reported face-offs with the Chinese Army in Arunachal Pradesh.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has made her debut on social media platform X, sharing a video about her upcoming memoir, "Belonging - a journey of love." In the video, she reminisces about meeting Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge, describing him as gentle and good-looking, and shares details about their early romance. The book, set to launch on November 10, covers her life from childhood in Italy to her marriage, adaptation to India, family tragedies, and political journey.
The INDIA Bloc plans a "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30, followed by a "Dilli Chalo march" to Ramlila Maidan on November 1. These events are part of their protest against alleged "vote chori" and "poll irregularities," aiming to pressure the government and demand Kumar's resignation.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth over Rs 23 crore in an ongoing money laundering investigation related to an alleged online betting network. The assets belong to Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra, Gulshan Khattar, and Neha Tandon. Veerendra, arrested in August 2025, is considered the prime accused in the case, which stems from FIRs across multiple states concerning illegal online betting platforms like King567.
A sharp political slugfest erupted on Thursday as Congress leaders and INDIA bloc allies rallied behind MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's son, Raihan Vadra, accusing the authorities and Centre of censoring artistic expression after Bikaner House requested the removal of several photographs from his exhibition.
Glimpses of Sonia Gandhi as she offers a first look at her upcoming book, Belonging: A Journey of Love.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has made her Instagram debut to announce her upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. The book, set to be published by HarperCollins India on November 10, details her life from childhood in Italy to her political journey in India, including personal tragedies and her decision not to become prime minister in 2004. Her social media entry marks a significant shift, as she previously avoided such platforms. The memoir's publication also follows a controversy with its initial publisher, Penguin Random House India, over editorial differences.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expanded his council of ministers on Tuesday, swearing in four new faces from the Kashmir valley: Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shameema Firdous, and Altaf Ahmad Wani. This expansion comes after all ministers submitted their resignations, with the Congress, an ally, distancing itself from joining the cabinet until statehood is restored.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Opposition parties, including Congress and AAP, stating that protests are futile and asserting that the NDA will form the next government in Punjab. He also spoke about Yamuna cleaning projects and accused previous Delhi governments of pollution.
Rahul Gandhi's trip abroad occurred amid protests in New Delhi concerning CEC Gyanesh Kumar and electoral rolls.
BJP MLC Parinay Fuke claimed NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar was considering joining the Congress, citing deteriorating relations with Supriya Sule. In response, Pawar accused Fuke of shielding alleged corruption, particularly concerning illegal sand businesses, paddy procurement issues, and irregularities in an employment guarantee scheme, challenging him to address farmers' concerns instead of making baseless claims.
A Delhi-based man, Ritesh Pandey, has been arrested in connection with an alleged sting operation targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Police are investigating his links to a mobile phone used to upload the controversial videos and are examining the digital trail. Siddaramaiah has called the operation "totally concocted", while his son alleged involvement of Congress members. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has assured a transparent and thorough investigation, promising to expose those behind it.
The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over a notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for imposing fees, especially on transactions above Rs 2,000. Rahul Gandhi claimed the government is surrendering to American pressure, while Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the potential burden on common citizens amidst inflation. The government's notification prohibits charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 but remains silent on higher amounts, sparking fears of a "Digital Payments Tax."
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticised the Bikaner House administration's decision to remove certain photographs from Raihan Vadra's exhibition before its opening. Tharoor termed the act as "petty" and "censorship," stating it casts a shadow on India's reputation as a democracy and a land of freedom of expression. He highlighted the removal of protest photographs and those featuring the tricolour, calling the decision "stupid" and counterproductive, as it has inadvertently boosted Raihan Vadra's profile.
Ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged sale of illicit liquor in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district, following claims that several villagers died after consuming spurious alcohol. The arrests include managers and salesmen from licensed shops, and a high-level team is investigating the deaths.
A panel supported by Congress MLC Satej Patil has won the election for the Kolhapur District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union (Gokul Dairy), defeating the Mahayuti-backed group led by NCP minister Hasan Mushrif. This victory marks a setback for the ruling Mahayuti alliance in western Maharashtra and gives the Patil-backed panel control of the influential cooperative's board.
Unless the Congress stops seeing a CIA and RSS in everyone who disagrees with it, many well-meaning people will find it difficult to rub shoulders with Rahul Gandhi, notes M R Narayan Swamy.
Bengaluru Police have arrested Ritesh Pandey, a Delhi-based man, in connection with the uploading of a purported sting operation video targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on social media. This marks the first arrest in the case, which involves allegations of a political conspiracy and an ongoing investigation into the video's origin and circulation.
Police in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district arrested 10 people for selling spurious liquor, with one accused reportedly using AI to learn home-brewing methods. The accused mixed fake and real alcohol, selling it in licensed bottles. This comes amidst claims of multiple deaths in the region due to toxic liquor, prompting a state government investigation.
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has accused Chief Minister VD Satheesan of "selective secularism" following the arrest of a YouTuber for allegedly making communal remarks about a Fort Kochi cafe. Chandrasekhar questioned the ruling Congress and CPI(M)'s political culture, which he claims disrespects religious sentiments, while other leaders like Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and MP Hibi Eden condemned the communal remarks and defended Kerala's secular fabric and tourism.
The death of 35-year-old Daljit Singh in Mansa has sparked controversy, with his family claiming he died of a drug overdose and demanding an end to drug supply, while police have registered a murder case against three individuals. The incident has led to protests and strong criticism from opposition leaders against the Punjab Police and the state government.
Five people were shot dead at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati on Monday night following a dispute between the hotel owner and its leaseholder. The accused, Ghanakanta Gogoi, was apprehended, and a .32-bore licensed pistol was seized. The incident, stemming from a property dispute, has led to concerns about law and order.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced its full support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president, despite previous disagreements over his commercial rights plan. AFC head Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa stated the region's commitment to Infantino's leadership, who is seeking a fourth term until 2031.
The ruling Mahayuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are set for a significant political contest in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. Polling for five seats - three Graduates' and two Teachers' constituencies - will be held on Friday, with 182 candidates in the fray. The results, crucial for both alliances, will be declared on October 27.
Opposition parties in Maharashtra have criticised the state government following a firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai. They allege a deterioration of law and order, citing this and other recent high-profile incidents, and demand a separate home minister.
The son of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch, Tirath Singh, was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a gurdwara in Chite Kalan village, Amritsar, on Monday night. His brother alleged the attack was due to their stance against drug peddlers, though police suggest old enmity. The incident has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties against the Bhagwant Mann government over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, citing a series of recent killings.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot is set to embark on a five-day visit to Punjab starting October 16, where he will meet families of gang violence victims across 11 districts. This visit aims to amplify their voices and is seen as a strategic move by the Congress to make law and order a central issue against the AAP government in the upcoming elections. Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh also criticised the AAP government over deteriorating security and extortion threats faced by traders.
